From Resistance to Rebellion, and Rebellion to Revolution: Notes on Transformation in First Grade

Authors

Jenna Laslocky, Bank Street College of EducationFollow

Abstract

Laslocky, a first grade teacher, reflects on her experiences with child rebellion and resistance throughout a school year and the methods she implemented to handle conflict. Through the rebellious actions of a new student, the dynamic of the classroom was tested. It was only when the children began appreciating differences and making genuine efforts to be kind that a true revolution occurred.

Author Biography

Jenna Laslocky graduated from Bank Street in 1997. In the years since, she has taught kindergarten and first grade in independent and public schools in Brooklyn, New York. She is currently teaching first grade. Since writing this article, she has begun to realize that every year involves a sort of revolution—at least in the first grade—as children expand their understanding of the world beyond themselves to include the power of the collective voice and experience.

Recommended Citation

Laslocky, J. (2005). From Resistance to Rebellion, and Rebellion to Revolution: Notes on Transformation in First Grade. Occasional Paper Series, (14). DOI: https://doi.org/10.58295/2375-3668.1204